JOHN LOUIS "LOUIE" MINNICK

JOHN LOUIS "LOUIE" MINNICK, 97, Ocala, Fla.., formerly of Fort Wayne, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016, at Hospice of Marion County, Ocala, Fla., following a brief illness. He was born on the family farm located on the Old Minnich Road in Hessen Cassel. Born the second of six children, he was a son of John C. Minnick, and Agnes (Diver) Minnick. Louie was married to Veronica Ellen Johanns in Paulding, Ohio, in 1941. They had four children and were married for 59 years until her death in 2000. Louie entered the military in 1942 and served in the Army Air Corps as a co-pilot flying B-17s. Following the war, Louie returned to his job at International Harvester and continued working there until his retirement after 40 years. Simultaneously, he operated a successful television / radio repair business. This permitted him to support his family and provide a college education for his children. Louie thoroughly enjoyed dancing, playing golf, watching football -especially his favorite teams, Notre Dame and the San Francisco 49ers, playing the stock market, and the warm Florida sunshine. In addition, he actively pursued exercise by jogging, walking, and swimming. He continued these activities until shortly before his death. Survivors include his children, John Douglas (Rose Marie) Minnick of New Haven, Ind., Rebecca (Jeff) Bloomgarden of Bloomington, Ind., Mark (Kathie) Minnick of Grand Rapids, Mich., and Matthew (Julie) Minnick of Fremont, Ind.; one brother, Delbert Minnick; one sister, Carol Rowley; eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, two brothers, and one sister. Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 10, 2016, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1502 E. Wallen Road, Fort Wayne, with calling with the family from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Burial at Highland Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a hospice of donor's choice. To send online condolences, visit www.fairhavenfort wayne.com